Dr. James Fraley has been a faculty member at Wilmington University’s College of Technology for more than a decade. But in the past few years, he’s noticed an influx of WilmU students interested in earning master’s degrees or certificates in technology-based programs. Even though some have little to no experience in the field, they sense that technology is becoming increasingly critical. They want to be a part of the exciting industry.  

Many working adults like Peter Lukacko return to school to further their careers or explore new interests. And it’s no surprise they jump on the technology bandwagon. “Technology is changing our lives,” said Lukacko, who has a background in finance. “I knew it was time to make a career change.”

WilmU’s Master of Science in Information Systems Technologies (MS-IST) program serves experienced tech professionals and those new to the field. The opportunities for advancement are wide open, so students from non-tech backgrounds like pharmacy or finance can expand their career choices and become more marketable.

Dr. Fraley understands these students. He worked in tech for years before becoming a professor.

“My prior experience helps me academically,” he said. “I show my students how the tech world really works by bridging the theoretical and the practical. That’s what makes Wilmington University unique. We bring people in from the industry to offer students hands-on experiences.”

He adds that the constant evolution of technology requires a constantly-evolving curriculum, and WilmU is always adaptable. “We have employers coming to us looking for people who are trained in cloud, cybersecurity, and information technology,” Dr. Fraley said. “Our students are often hired or promoted before they’ve even completed their coursework, and they hit the ground running.”

Lukacko graduated from WilmU’s College of Technology with a double master’s in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, then landed a job in TD Bank’s Fraud Department. He also became an adjunct instructor at WilmU.

“One of the reasons I chose WilmU was its open admissions policy,” said Lukacko. “If this is something you really want, as long as you’re putting in the effort, WilmU offers the opportunity.”

WilmU’s open admissions policy means that, in most cases, no standardized test scores are required for admission. Students can get started quickly and conveniently with six start times per year and streamlined, rolling admissions. It’s all about accommodating the working professional.

Papers and exams are usually part of the academic experience, but at WilmU, Lukacko enjoyed additional and innovative learning opportunities, like hands-on projects that focused on real-life scenarios. Those activities prepared him for challenges he might face industry-wide.

WilmU’s College of Technology offers more than 30 programs fortified by advanced technological capabilities. Students are provided tools that help them become competent, competitive, adaptive, and collaborative — traits that tech professionals need.

WilmU has offered students accredited and flexible programs for more than five decades, and the university is one of the region’s most affordable private institutions. WilmU offers more than 130 degrees that can be completed at one of its multiple locations or entirely online.

Learn more about Wilmington University’s College of Technology.